Introduction

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delightfully sweet and crunchy snack that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and Butterfinger candy bars. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you need a satisfying treat with a nostalgic twist.

A large white bowl filled with Butterfinger puppy chow, which consists of small square cereal pieces coated in a light brown powder and mixed with small broken pieces of bright orange Butterfinger candy, creating a rough and crunchy texture. A metal scoop rests inside the bowl, partially buried in the puppy chow, with some pieces spilling out. In the background, there are portions of the snack in other white bowls on a white marbled surface. A partially visible Butterfinger candy bar is placed at the bottom edge of the image. The lighting is bright and even, highlighting the details and textures well. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

7 cups Rice Chex Cereal (or store brand version)
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup salted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed, 3 roughly chopped for garnish)
1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

Step 1: Add the Rice Chex cereal to an extra large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined with the chocolate mixture.
Step 4: Drizzle the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal, then gently stir to coat all the cereal pieces evenly.
Step 5: Stir in the 15 crushed Butterfinger candy pieces until distributed throughout the coated cereal.
Step 6: To coat with powdered sugar, sprinkle the sugar over the cereal mixture and stir well, or place the mixture into an extra large (2 gallon) ziplock bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake to coat evenly. The bag method helps contain the sugar and makes cleanup easier.
Step 7: Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet to dry. Just before serving, sprinkle the 3 roughly chopped fun size Butterfinger candy bars on top for garnish and added texture.

Tips & Variations

Substitute semi sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or candy melts depending on your preference.
Mix different Chex cereal varieties like rice, corn, and wheat for more texture contrast.
Try adding mini peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, or Butterfinger balls for fun and tasty add-ins.

Storage

Store the Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks. To refresh the crunch, let the puppy chow come to room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigerating if your kitchen is cool, as it can cause the chocolate coating to harden excessively.

How to Serve

A large white bowl is filled with multiple square-shaped cereal pieces coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar. These pieces have a reddish-brown, slightly rough texture, with small broken bits of orange and dark brown candy scattered on top, adding a contrast in color. A metal scoop rests in the bowl, partially buried beneath some of the cereal, showing the cereal pieces inside the scoop as well. Around the bowl, there are small clusters of cereal, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. In the bottom corner, a yellow and blue Butterfinger candy bar wrapper is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of candy bar?

Yes, you can swap Butterfinger bars with other crunchy candy bars like Heath or Skor for a similar flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

To make a nut-free version, omit the peanut butter and replace it with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter. The flavor will differ but it will still be delicious.